Product Description

From the Greek, "Aster" in reference to the shape of the flower and its bracts. At least 200 species are found across North America with dozens in the Tallgrass Praire region alone.

Found throughout the Tallgrass Prairie region in a dizzying array of habitats from marshes to woodlands. Aster colonies frequently cover large areas. Often quite striking in color, the asters bloom from July through the first hard frost.

Several tribes used the smoke from burning aster plants to assist in reviving persons who had fainted. Some other Native American tribes brewed a tea from aster plants to relieve headaches. In our area, the Meskwaki would make a smudge from Aster laeteriflorus to treat insanity.

Edible Uses: Unkown

Medicinal Uses: An infusion of the plant, combined with another unnamed plant, has bee used in the treatment of fevers. A decoction of the plant has been used to dress wounds. The dried and powdered plant has been used as a salve on abrasions. Smoke from the crushed blossoms has been inhaled in the treatment of nosebleeds.